June, darlings! A whirlwind of performances has left my head spinning, in the most delightful way, of course. My schedule was jam-packed with productions that made the very soul of dance thrum with excitement, the air electric with anticipation. I’ve witnessed soaring virtuosity, heart-rending emotions, and ingenious creativity that have left an indelible mark, a reminder that dance continues to evolve and enchant.
Let’s begin, shall we, with the breathtaking **Royal Ballet's** *Giselle*. Now, I’ve seen this iconic masterpiece many times, but this particular production was infused with such freshness, such youthful exuberance, and I must confess, a certain “je ne sais quoi”. Marianela Nuñez as the tragic Giselle was absolutely sublime. She conveyed the character's naiveté, then her vulnerability, with heartbreaking delicacy, and then when the storm broke – her ferocious abandon in Act II was absolutely stunning. I was practically holding my breath. Her partner, the handsome Vadim Muntagirov, danced with a regal elegance that had me yearning for him to scoop me off my feet – what a magnificent Myrtha she had as well, my darling! Every gesture, every nuance, everything was so perfectly rendered. As if in a dream, darling.
Speaking of dreams, darling, you must visit the ** Bolshoi Ballet**, where *Sleeping Beauty* has captured hearts, especially of the younger audiences. Yes, a little long and traditional, but my, oh, my! The technical proficiency of the corps de ballet, the breathtaking beauty of Polina Semionova, and the princely presence of Vladislav Lantratov, I felt as though I had been transported to the world of fairytales – and a very luxurious, bejeweled, fairytale world it was!
Speaking of luxurious – did you see **American Ballet Theatre** in *Manon* ? I’m still practically swooning. The lavish set and costumes are worthy of a museum exhibit! My eyes literally danced over each feathered detail of the lavish costumes, every glimmering texture of the sumptuous gowns. And the dance itself – oh, darling, what drama and raw emotion! The masterful interplay between the exquisite Misty Copeland and the equally magnetic David Hallberg was simply enthralling. There was passion, despair, a dash of that classic *“Manon”* naughtiness. Don’t miss it, darling, you must see this production – a modern masterpiece!
And on to Paris, where **Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo** were making waves in a fresh production of *La Sylphide*. I'm so glad to see the rediscovering and reinterpretation of these iconic works. The new choreography felt more vibrant and powerful and yet retained the magic of the original story. And the sylph? My word, what a breathtaking sylph! So ethereal and light, and the costumes... I couldn't help but admire the stunning detail – sheer gauze and soft colours – as light as a breath, a delightful departure from the usual gaudy excesses.
Now let's cross the Atlantic to a wonderful modern ballet by choreographer, **Christopher Wheeldon’s *Polyphony***, in which dancers are like swirling colours, fluid, interconnected and bursting with vibrant energy, darling, and all at the same time. I found the ballet to be a truly original masterpiece – the structure is quite daring but somehow so beautifully, elegantly constructed. There's a mesmerizing quality to it all and it stays with you for a while, I found myself pondering it all long after the final curtain fell. Truly a piece for the 21st century! Bravo Christopher, bravo!
Moving onto a bit of a diversion from traditional ballet: The *Body and Soul* tour, celebrating **Alvin Ailey** , a dance company renowned for its athleticism, raw energy and soul-stirring emotional depth, took my breath away. Ailey's works, though different in style, somehow held me spellbound. There was an intimacy to the performance and each dancer truly inhabited their character – I found myself truly moved by the intensity of it all. I must confess, some parts were very difficult to watch – not easy, not for the faint of heart, my dear! But Ailey's art has a brutal beauty to it, his movements speak volumes, volumes about human pain and joy, the duality of our being.
In a complete change of mood, let’s visit the delightful, yet so wonderfully complex **Matthew Bourne’s *The Car Man*. ** Oh, what a dance theatre treat! This modern version of Bizet's **Carmen**, danced by a mostly male cast, was bold and dramatic. I felt both fascinated and challenged! It is full of masculine swagger, thrilling choreography, but also heartbreak. Bourne masterfully uses Bizet’s musical genius to convey emotions which left the audience buzzing with the raw power of this interpretation. If you’re tired of all the fluff, darling, then get yourself down to this – it's full of fire, grit and soul!
And as June begins its dance toward the summer's heat, I’m already anticipating the next wave of exhilarating, daring and stunning productions that lie in store. This year, the world of dance seems poised for some truly breathtaking explorations. It seems the dance world continues to embrace innovation, challenge the conventions, while retaining that timeless grace and elegance that has enthralled generations. And of course, darling, as long as there are dance enthusiasts like us to revel in these transformative experiences, dance will forever captivate and move us, in both the physical and emotional sense. Until next time!